Rumours of Fast-Track Decision on Lynx Release

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is concerned
to hear rumours that Secretary of State for the Environment Michael Gove
may be prepared to fast-track a decision on lynx release.

The
NSA is calling on representative farming bodies and individuals to
unite and take action to voice unanimous concerns over the proposals.

NSA is aware the Lynx
UK Trust is continuing its campaign work
while the application is considered, and feels it is essential
Mr Gove appreciates the substantial and widespread concerns rural
communities have around the proposed lynx release.

Phil
Stocker, NSA Chief Executive, says:
“I know Mr Gove is interested in these proposals
and I am certain now is the time for individual farmers, land managers
and their representative organisations to make their feelings heard.
I would go as far as urging every farmer who has views over this
to write to the Secretary of State so he can appreciate the strength
of stakeholder concerns, which go way beyond the losses that will
be suffered by sheep farmers.”

A verdict
on whether lynx should be released in Kielder
Forest, Northumberland,
is still pending after Lynx UK Trust submitted a formal application
to Natural
England earlier this year. The Government advisory body
is currently reviewing information, and is expected to announce
a decision in the coming months.

NSA has been gathering industry and local opinion at a series
of meetings in recent months, working with the National
Farmers Union (NFU) and British
Deer Society (BDS) as well as several
hundred local stakeholders involved in farming, tourism, animal
welfare, land management, field sports and conservation.

Phil continues:
“A connected approach, but in an individual capacity, is what
is needed if we are to relay the true scale of our concerns. The
risks to landscape and wildlife, heavily invested in for years,
are real. Alongside disease and welfare risks, coupled with concerns
around whether any lynx population could be genetically sustainable
on our heavily populated island. This of course in addition to
the resultant losses and stress on farmers.

“It is not a simple
matter of a compensation package putting everything right. We
know from sheep farmers in Finland, Norway and elsewhere that
losses go way beyond those predicted. I simply cannot accept that
the conscious release of a high-level predator is compatible with
the high level of animal welfare expected of British farmers.”

With
the proposed release site so close to the Scottish border, NSA
has been assured that no decision would be made without agreement
from relevant Scotland authorities. Phil concludes:
“There can
be no unilateral decision taken on this matter. With concerns
in the devolved nations around a ‘power grab’ being brought about
by the Great Repeal Bill, it would be unbelievable if the devolved
powers of Scotland were challenged in this way”.